Going Upstairs

After a long break we are back with a look at supporting team mates in our sport. Joining Mark is Sussex batter Tom Alsop who reflects on what he has learned across his career so far. Support the show

Kate offers her insight on how she proactively considers her mental health in the demanding world of international cricket. Support the show

Change can be exciting, it can be daunting. Ethan and Tom share their reflections on their experiences of transitions such as moving clubs, new roles and fluctuations in form. Support the show

We're glad to have our one hundredth episode on the pleasure of playing cricket. In the case of our guest Chris Laker, this happens to have been at the top of the club game in England. The positives discussed can be applied to anyone playing the game, whatever the standard. If this is your first listen or you've taken in all episodes so far, thank you. Support the show

Cricket gives us a vital chance to take time away from our screens and properly connect with others. Mark gives his view on this increasingly important issue in this episode. --------- Jonathan Haidt was mentioned in this episode. You can read about his work on youth phone use here and in a similar vein there is a perspective from the US surgeon general here Support the show

The second episode on this theme has Opening Up Cricket trustee & Sunday Times Football Correspondent Jon Northcroft sharing from another sport. We hear a range from Fergie to Guardiola on how wellbeing and team bonds are forged at the top level of football. It's fascinating to think about what we can learn from these examples. Support the show

This pre season, we have a focus on how team environments can best support their members. To start with, Ethan Bamber draws on his experiences in the professional games, as we aim to find the ways we can all look out for those around us. Support the show

Ethan and Tom shared their reflections on how the close season changes how they see themselves. This was recorded just before their return to pre season training at Middlesex and Sussex. Support the show

Henry returns with his second guest, Matty Jackson of Liverpool CC, for a chat focused on captaincy in the club game. Support the show

Thanks to Henry Eccles of Southport & Birkdale CC for this chat with his club's former overseas player Will Affleck, reflecting on the realities and pressures that can feature in the weekend game. Support the show

Clevedon CC in Somerset have seen success with their own scheme to promote mental wellbeing through cricket at their club. Dan, the lead for this, joined Mark to share the background and strategies used. Support the show

Mark considers what is left unsaid during Mental Health Awareness Week Support the show

The second Coaches Conversation focuses on passion and how far it can take you. We got a look at this from a rugby union perspective with guest Adam Canning of Old Leamingtonians RFC joining Mark to share his thoughts. Support the show

Our first Coaches Conversation was recorded last night (26.03) with burnout being the topic. Chris Laker, who works with Lancashire CCC pathway and in club cricket, joined Mark to share his thoughts. Support the show

Ethan spoke with friend and current team mate down under Miles Hammond, of Gloucestershire CCC. Topics included... - Life as an overseas player - Finding the balance between cricket and the rest of life - How talking therapy made the difference Support the show

Identity, particularly how much we define ourselves by our job, is a topic of almost endless discussion. Sussex keeper/batter Tom Alsop gave his insight to Mark during this episode. The focus was on how over the course of his career, he has come to see himself as more than just a cricketer. Support the show

Mark reflects on a personal experience of going beyond what was healthy to commit to. The books mentioned in this episode were: Mike Yardy- The Hard Yards Brene Brown- Daring Greatly Tim Cantopher- Depressive Illness: The Curse Of The Strong Support the show

Josh Sivier, known across social media as 'The WK Coach' shared with Mark his passion for wicket keeping, as a player and coach. Topics include: Technical fundamentals Resilience The love of the game Support the show

Sean chatted with Mark about the reality of playing Grade, or as it is now known, Premier Cricket in Australia. Having played at first class and international level, it was interesting to hear his perspective on the club game. Topic discussed include: * Creating the ideal environment * The intensity compared to the professional game * Adapting from other levels of cricket Support the show

Tara Norris of Sussex, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave and the USA joined Mark to discuss: Her transition into professional cricket Routine and structure Self motivation Support the show